Audit Preparation Support Services

Audit preparation is the process of organizing financial records, schedules, accounting analyses, disclosures, reconciliations, control documentation, and other support requested by external auditors. It also includes identifying unresolved accounting questions, addressing control deficiencies, and helping management present clear, supportable information. Effective preparation can make communication more efficient and help the finance team respond consistently throughout the audit.

An audit consultant supports management before and during an audit by reviewing reporting materials, developing schedules, documenting accounting conclusions, assessing close and control processes, and helping coordinate responses with external auditors. The consultant may also provide technical accounting expertise or execution capacity when internal teams are managing transactions, leadership changes, reporting requirements, or other complex finance priorities.

Companies should begin when audit requirements, reporting obligations, transaction activity, or unresolved accounting matters become clear. Early preparation gives management time to review financial reporting, gather schedules, document accounting conclusions, evaluate controls, and address open questions before auditor requests intensify. The appropriate starting point depends on the company’s reporting cycle, audit scope, internal capacity, and complexity.

Yes. Stratum Advisory Partners, LLC is positioned to work alongside an existing finance team when additional expertise or execution capacity is needed. Support can focus on specific accounting questions, schedules, documentation, controls, reporting, or coordination with external auditors. The engagement can be tailored so internal personnel retain ownership while receiving senior-level guidance and practical assistance.

Common preparation materials include financial statements, account reconciliations, supporting schedules, accounting policies, disclosures, transaction documentation, control descriptions, and analyses for significant or complex accounting matters. The exact requests vary by the company’s reporting requirements and audit scope. Stratum can help management organize relevant support, identify gaps, and develop documentation that clearly explains the accounting treatment.

Yes. Technical accounting advisory support can address matters such as revenue recognition, debt and equity transactions, stock-based compensation, leases, business combinations, and impairment. Stratum helps develop clear, supportable accounting conclusions and related documentation, giving management a structured basis for discussing significant matters with external auditors and responding to questions during the audit.

Yes. Transaction Accounting and Post-Acquisition Support covers accounting and financial reporting associated with acquisitions, divestitures, carve-outs, and ownership changes. Support may include purchase accounting, opening balance sheets, coordination with valuation specialists, and post-acquisition accounting and reporting integration. These activities can help management address transaction-related reporting requirements that affect audit preparation.

Engagement fees are determined after discussing the scope, complexity, timing, and level of support required. A company may need focused assistance with documentation or technical accounting, broader reporting and control improvement, or interim leadership and execution support. Stratum Advisory Partners, LLC uses custom-scoped engagements rather than presenting a single standard fee for every audit preparation need.